One to watch: Stefan Mauk (Melbourne City)

Put aside the stats for a minute. Stefan Mauk’s return to the Melbourne City side has been one of the highlights of the season so far. Take the home game against the Mariners in Round 4.

Mauk’s attacking instincts and energy engineered a strong second half performance – in cahoots with another talented youngster Stefan Zinni - that helped reap a much-needed first win of the season for City.

And how about his goal against the Jets a week later?

The youngster picked up the ball on the halfway line before playing a neat one-two with Ben Garuccio on the edge of the Jets box.

Running at the defence, Mauk played the ball to David Williams who produced a delicate flick over the top for the midfielder to chest down and smash home. Wow!

Adelaide born Mauk signed for Melbourne City FC for the 2012-13 Hyundai A-League season on a two-year deal. He spent his first season on a National Youth League contract, before being elevated to a senior deal in May of 2013.

Mauk made his first appearance for the Club in a 2-1 away loss to Sydney FC, replacing former captain Fred after 72 minutes.

The teenager made his first start for the club in the 2013-14 A-League season, a 2-1 win by the Club over Perth Glory at Lavington Sports Ground in Albury.

Mauk typically plays as an attacking midfielder, but possesses the skills necessary to play anywhere in the attacking third.
And his stats back that up. He’s becoming a very valuable player at City and one to watch in the NAB Young Footballer of the Year race.